Earlier this year, legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick mutually parted ways with the team, and it appears that one of his longtime players is also stepping away from the game.
On Tuesday morning, New England Patriots legend Matthew Slater – a five-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler – announced his decision to retire from the league, and Bill Belichick had some high praise for him after his announcement, calling him “the best core special teams player in NFL history.”
“Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive,” Belichick said according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history.”
Bill Belichick statement on Matthew Slater: “Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 20, 2024
“His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams [(players and coaches)] that I have coached,” Belichick continued.
“Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”
Slater played 16 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowl championships, all under Belichick.
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